Houston is the fourth-largest city in the US. It’s also one of the most diverse, so you’ll never be at a loss for things to do or see while you’re there. Root for the home team at one of the stadiums at NRG Park, explore history and art in the Museum District, stroll around Montrose’s unique shops, or get some serious shopping done at The Galleria.
As it’s such a large destination (isn’t everything bigger in Texas?), it’s a good idea to factor the location into where you’re going to stay. It also may be best to consider having a car to get around town so you can zip from one cool zone to the next.
There are a few hostels in Houston, but we’ve also included some cheap alternatives so you can find somewhere that suits your travel style. You can rest assured that no matter where you stay, you can enjoy warm hospitality and some super comfortable digs.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Houston
- Best Overall Hostel in Houston – Wanderstay Houston
- Coolest Hostel for Digital Nomads in Houston – Charming Montrose Studio 4 Park at JJ, hosted by Ginny
The Best Hostels in Houston
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Overall Best Hostel in Houston – Wanderstay Houston
- $
- Museum District
- Free Wi-Fi
- Dorms & private rooms
We’ve gotta name Wanderstay the overall best hostel in Houston because it’s the best all-in-one package. Centrally located, it’s within walking distance of the top things to see and do in the city. If you prefer to peddle, use Wanderstay’s bike rental for a faster way to get around.
Wanderstay offers different room options, letting you choose the space that fits your needs and your budget. There’s a full-sized communal kitchen when you can prepare your own meals, so you don’t have to blow your budget on eating out all the time. The lounge area also makes a great place to chill out when you’re not out and about. To top it off, the vibe at Wanderstay is super cool – vibrant and friendly.
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View on Osprey View on REIBest Hostel for Digital Nomads in Houston – Charming Montrose Studio 4 Park at JJ, hosted by Ginny
- $$
- Neighborhood: Montrose
- Free Wi-Fi
- Kitchenette
Ginny’s studio is a sleek comfortable place that has everything you’d need or want when staying in town. You’ll have the place to yourself, which also means no one else is on the Wi-Fi signal. For digital nomads, this is the best place to sit and get some work done when you’re not exploring.
There’s a kitchenette for preparing meals (or unboxing take-outs), and a smart TV to watch your favorite movies and shows. Montrose is one of the most happening areas in Houston, so you’ll always have something to keep you entertained.
Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Houston – Cozy Private Room with Your Own Bath, hosted by Steven
- $
- Rice Military Area
- Free Wi-Fi
Going it alone in the Lone Star State? You’ll be super psyched to stay with Steven. His lovely home provides a private space for you that’s designed to give you total independence. His spare room – complete with a walk-in closet and a private bathroom – makes this space on par with any fancy accommodation you could find in town.
What sets this place above the rest is the host’s thoughtfulness – you can’t go wrong with free streaming and snacks! The location is ideal, steps away from Washington Ave. Did we mention his adorable dog? Steven provides a great stay that can’t be beaten for the solo traveler who wants it all.
Cozy Private Room with Your Own Bath, hosted by Steven is one of our favourites in Houston but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Cheap Hostel in Houston – Aeolid Hostel
- $
- Neighborhood: NRG Stadium
- Dorm only
- No internet
Aeolid offers a solid stay at an affordable price. Located super close to NRG Park (which includes NRG Stadium and the Astrodome), it’s easy to root for the home team in person just steps from where you’re staying. Keep your expenses at a minimum by using the shared kitchen, or venture out into town where the cuisine is as diverse as the folks here.
Aeolid has free onsite parking, perfect for Texas road-trippers looking for a cheap place to stop off. The lack of internet may be a downside to some travelers, but we reckon it’s a good opportunity to unplug for a while.
Aeolid Hostel is one of our favourites in Houston but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel for Couples in Houston – Cottage Ensuite hosted by Jackie
- $$
- Pasadena
- Kitchenette
- Breakfast included
Step off the streets of Houston and into the pages of a storybook when you enter this adorable cottage. Built from reclaimed wood and furnished with unique pieces, this tiny space makes you feel like you’re truly someplace special. But, unlike those in fantasy storybooks, Jackie’s cottage is a modern hotel suite complete with a kitchenette, cable tv, Wi-Fi, and the all-important AC (which is crucial for those hot and humid Texas summers).
Wake up relaxed knowing that breakfast is being made for you. Located on the grounds of the Sycamoreville, it’s just a short drive from the top attractions of Houston. Downtown is just 15 minutes away by car, but we wouldn’t blame you if you chose to just stay in the cottage!
Cottage Ensuite hosted by Jackie is one of our favourites in Houston but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Party Hostel in Houston – HI Morty Rich Hostel Houston
- $$
- Montrose neighborhood
- Free Wi-Fi
- Pool
- Billiards
The Morty Rich Hostel is the place to meet, mingle, and have fun, so obviously, we had to name it the best party hostel in Houston. As a traditional hostel, it’s got exactly what you’d want – a young, energetic vibe combined with dorms and a communal kitchen to help keep the prices low.
Located in the lively Montrose area, you’ll be within walking distance of some of the best bars and clubs in the city. It’s without a doubt the coolest neighborhood in Houston, so you’ll have plenty to explore during your visit.
HI Morty Rich Hostel Houston is one of our favourites in Houston but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel with a Private Room – International Hostel Near the Galleria
- $$
- Neighborhood: Westchase
- Private rooms only
- Pool
- Fitness center
International Hostel Near the Galleria – its name says a ton, but there’s so much more about it that’ll you’ll appreciate. They speak several languages including Portuguese and Danish, so you’re bound to meet travelers from all over the world! There’s a friendly, young vibe throughout the hostel, and a night’s stay here isn’t going to break the bank.
Situated near the Galleria, the area surrounding the hostel is actually quiet and residential. The hostel offers a year-round pool and fitness center, so you can stay active on your travels.
International Hostel Near the Galleria is one of our favourites in Houston but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
More Best Hostels in Houston
Lawndale Modern Home/Downtown, hosted by Timothy
- $
- Neighborhood: Lawndale
- Free Wi-Fi
When you are headed to Houston, you’ll want a comfortable stay that’s close to everything. This lovely apartment has a spacious guest room for you to spread out and relax. Like staying at a friend’s place, you can use the full kitchen which can really help to keep your travel expenses low. It’s a good location near Downtown, so it’s the best home base while checking out all the awesome things Houston has to offer.
Tiny House with Backyard and Chickens in Midtown, hosted by Jerry
- $$
- Neighborhood: Midtown
- Free Wi-Fi
It’s all about southern hospitality when you stay at the Tiny House. Set on an urban farm, a stay at Jerry’s is like no other. You can feed the chickens in the yard one minute and then enjoy the conveniences of a bustling urban center the next. You’ll never forget your time at the Tiny House with this unique contrast. This cozy space has everything you’d need at your fingertips for a comfy stay including a full kitchen, full bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi.
Bunkwood Hostel
- $
- Neighborhood: Second Ward
- Dorm only
- Free internet in public areas
Bunkwood is a charming modern hostel with rustic wood decor throughout. Dorm rooms and the communal kitchen help keep your expenses low so that you can focus your vacation budget on all the fun things you’ll do around Houston. Although you’ll have to travel a short distance to reach the main attractions in town, the convenient cost of a night’s stay easily makes up for this.
Bunkwood Hostel is one of our favourites in Houston but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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What to Pack for your Houston Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Travel Safety Tips for Houston
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They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Houston
There you have it! The best hostels in Houston. No matter what you like or what you’re in town to do, we hope you’ve found a hostel or two that takes your fancy.
If you’re still not sure which one to go for, we highly recommend Wanderstay Houston. It’s a classic hostel, offering a top location, comfortable amenities, and a great price.
No matter what neighborhood you spend your day in, our list of the Best Hostels of Houston has made sure your night will be what you’re looking for – a solid night that won’t break the bank.
Do you own or run a kick ass hostel? Want to be featured in this list? Get in touch at [email protected]
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
